Who can enter various zones in an airport

Source: The post is based on the article “Who can enter various zones in an airport” published in Indian Express on 5th September 2022.

What is the News?

Delhi Police have registered an FIR accusing the deputy commissioner of Deoghar of sedition after he reported to the Jharkhand government that two MPs had entered Air Traffic Control (ATC) at the airport and forced officials to clear their aircraft for take-off even though the airport does not have facilities for night operations.

Who can enter an airport in India?

A person who is not a passenger with a valid ticket requires an Aerodrome Entry Permit(AEP) that is issued by the airport operator in concurrence with the security agency in charge of the airport. 

Typically, at the bigger airports, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) undertakes the security responsibilities while at a smaller airport like Deoghar, it is the state police that manages security. 

What is the ATC in an airport?

Air traffic control(ATC) is the traffic control room for aircraft at airports and in certain designated airspaces from where ground-based air traffic controllers direct aircraft movements.

The controllers use equipment including radar to track aircraft and communicate with pilots over the radio. The ATC complex typically has a tower, which may be attached to a building.

The primary purpose of the ATC system is to prevent a collision between aircraft operating in the system and to organize and expedite the flow of (air) traffic.

Under certain circumstances, the ATC may have security or defence responsibilities as well and may be manned by military officers.

Does an AEP authorize the holder to enter the ATC premises?

It does not happen automatically; prior approval is needed to enter the ATC building.

Does a Member of Parliament have special privileges to enter airport premises?

An order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2007 said that a Member of Parliament may be allowed free access to the Terminal building and Visitors Gallery on the basis of MPs Identity Card.

However, the order did not state whether MPs were allowed to also enter ATC premises.